Method of producing foamed cleaser with suspended particles therein and a dispenser therefore

ABSTRACT

One aspect of the invention is a foaming component for use in association with a foam dispenser. The foaming component includes an air sparging element, a mixing chamber, and an air chamber. The mixing chamber is on one side of the air sparging element and it defines a portion of the mixing chamber. The air chamber is on the other side of the air sparging element and it defines a portion of the air chamber. The air chamber has an air inlet. The mixing chamber has a liquid inlet and an outlet, and the outlet is down stream of the inlet. The foaming component also forms part of a new foam dispenser. The foaming component and the foam dispenser are for use in the production of foam with a plurality of particles suspended therein. Another aspect of the invention is a dispenser with a foaming component therein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/568,739 filed on May 7, 2004 entitled FOAMED CLEANSER WITHSUSPENDED PARTICLES, A METHOD OF PRODUCING SAME AND A DISPENSERTHEREFORE.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to cleansers with suspended particles, atechnique to produce them and dispensers for producing them and inparticular to cleansers that are dispensed as foams.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquid dispensers for dispensing soap and the like are well known. Thereare a wide variety of liquid dispensers for use in association withliquid soap. Some of these dispense the soap or other liquid in the formof foam. There are a number of advantages that are realized bydispensing in the form of foam. Specifically foam is easier to spreadthan the corresponding liquid. As well there is much less splashing orrun-off since the foam has a much higher surface tension than theliquid. In addition, the foam requires much less liquid to produce thesame cleansing power as compared to the un-foamed liquid due to the muchhigher surface area of the foam. Accordingly the cost to wash a specificnumber of hands is reduced since the amount of soap used is reduced.Similarly there are environmental benefits from using the foam since theamount of product used is reduced.

Similarly there are a number of advantages to soaps with suspendedparticles. This is particularly true in regard to heavily soiled skin.It is also true for more gentle cleansers that are used as exfoliatingscrubs. The particles in the soap or the cleanser provide an abrasivecomponent which enhances the cleaning abilities of the soap or cleanser.Heretofore there has not been a dispenser that would provide for foamwith suspended particles wherein the advantages of the foam describedabove is combined with the advantages of a soap with abrasives.

Accordingly it would be advantageous to provide a foam soap withsuspended particles. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a foamdispenser that dispenses a foam soap with suspended particles. Stillfurther, it would be advantageous to provide an alternate dispenser forproviding foam.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention is a foaming component for use inassociation with a foam dispenser. The foaming component includes an airsparging element, a mixing chamber, and an air chamber. The mixingchamber is on one side of the air sparging element and the air spargingelement defines a portion of the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber hasa liquid inlet. The air chamber is on the other side of the air spargingelement and the air sparging element defines a portion of the airchamber. The air chamber has an air inlet. The mixing chamber has anoutlet and the outlet extends from the mixing chamber down stream of theliquid inlet.

In another aspect of the invention there is a new foam dispenser. Thefoam dispenser is for use in association with a liquid. The foamdispenser includes a liquid container, a foaming component and a pump.The foaming component includes an air sparging element, a mixingchamber, a foaming component air chamber. The mixing chamber is on oneside of the air sparging element and the air sparging element defines aportion of the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has a liquid inlet inflow communication with the liquid container. The foaming component airchamber is on the other side of the air sparging element and the airsparging element defines a portion of the air chamber. The air chamberhas an air inlet. The mixing chamber has a mixing chamber outlet whichis down stream of the liquid inlet. The pump is operably connected tothe liquid inlet and the air inlet and is adapted to pump air into thefoaming component air chamber and liquid into the mixing chamber.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method ofmaking foam. The method includes the steps of: providing air underpressure to one side of an air sparging element; providing liquid underpressure to a mixing chamber on the other side of an air spargingelement; pushing the air through the sparging element into the mixingchamber, and mixing the air and the liquid thereby creating foam.

Further features of the invention will be described or will becomeapparent in the course of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a dispenserfor dispensing foam with suspended particles constructed in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the puck loading system of thedispenser for dispensing foam with suspended particles of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the container portion of the foamdispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a dispenseror dispensing foam with suspended particles of the present inventionhaving two liquid supplies and an air piston and a liquid piston;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a dispenserfor dispensing foam with suspended particles of the present inventionhaving two liquid supplies, a piston for each liquid supply and an airpiston;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a dispenserfor dispensing foam with suspended particles of the present inventionhaving an agitation device in the liquid container;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a dispenserfor dispensing foam with suspended particles of the present inventionhaving a top skimmer in the liquid container;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a dispenserfor dispensing foam with suspended particles of the present inventionhaving a liquid diaphragm pump and an air diaphragm pump;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a seventh embodiment of thedispenser for dispensing foam with suspended particles of the presentinvention having a single rigid liquid container;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of an eighth embodiment of thedispenser for dispensing foam with suspended particles of the presentinvention having an upright liquid container with an auger mechanism;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a ninth embodiment of the dispenserfor dispensing foam with suspended particles of the present inventionhaving two upright liquid containers;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a second alternate foamingcomponent of a dispenser for dispensing foam with suspended particleswherein the mixing chamber has a stepped annulus;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a third alternate foamingcomponent of a dispenser for dispensing foam with suspended particleswherein the mixing chamber uses a cross flow arrangement with a porousmaterial therebetween;

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a fourth alternate foamingcomponent of a dispenser for dispensing foam with suspended particleswherein the mixing chamber uses a cross flow arrangement with a solidmaterial therebetween the material has a plurality of small holes;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment similar to theseventh embodiment but with a collapsible container and looking from theleft side;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the tenth embodiment similar to FIG. 15but looking from the right side;

FIG. 17 is a series of photographs showing a scale of foam bubble sizes;and

FIG. 18 is a photograph of the scale for the pride of foam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing foam withsuspended particles. Heretofore conventional non-aerosol dispensers havenot been able to provide particles in foam. In conventional dispensersfoam is created by mixing air and liquid and then pushing the mixturethrough a porous material. If particles are introduced into the liquid,the porous material would act like a sieve, the particles would beremoved from the liquid, and the resulting foam would not includeparticles.

Accordingly to overcome the limitations of the previous foam dispensershe dispenser of the present invention uses an air sparging process inthe production of oam. That is, air is introduced into the liquidthrough a plurality of tiny holes or an air sparging element to createfoam. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by usingthis air sparging process a wide variety of liquids can be “foamed”.Thus through the use of the invention herein a foam with suspendedparticles may be produced.

Generally one of the limitations of a liquid with particles suspendedtherein is that over time the particles either float to the top or sinkto the bottom of the container. Generally heavy duty cleansers overcomethis limitation by adding viscosity modifiers (thickeners) to the liquidto aid in the suspension of the particles. Typically the resultantincrease in viscosity prevents effective foaming behaviour. Generallyliquids with viscosity greater than 100 centipose will be very poorfoamers. However, liquids with highly non-Newtonian behaviour can bemanufactured that exhibit viscosity at low shear rates that issufficient to maintain the particles in evenly distributed suspensionbut conversely have very low viscosity when exposed to high shear rates.Thus these types of liquids would be foamable. As a result theproduction of a foamable heavy duty cleanser with particles suspendedtherein is very costly. Accordingly a dispenser for producing foamshould be adaptable for use with liquids with non-newtonian behavioiur;liquids that include re-mixed particles that have either settled to thebottom or floated to the top; or a mixture of different liquids. Set outbelow are different embodiments, each of which addresses one of thesechallenges.

Referring to FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a dispenser for dispensingfoam with suspended particles is shown generally at 10. Dispenser 10includes a collapsible liquid container 12, a pump mechanism 14 and afoaming component 15. This embodiment is for use in association withliquid that includes particles and wherein the particles will settleover time.

The pump mechanism 14 includes a drive bar 18 with a liquid piston 20and an air piston 22. The liquid piston 20 moves in the liquid chamber24 and the air piston 22 moves in the air chamber 26. The liquid chamber24 and the air chamber 26 are connected by liquid conduit 28 and airconduit 30 respectively to the foaming component. Each chamber 24, 26has an interior volume that is changeable responsive to the movement ofthe respective piston 20, 22. The relative sizes of the liquid chamber24 and the air chamber 26 are arranged to provide the air to soap ratiodesired for the resultant foam. This is described in more detail below.

The foaming component 15 includes a porous mandrel 34 and a mixingchamber 32. The interior of the porous mandrel 34 defines an air chamber35. The porous mandrel is in the centre of the foaming component 15 andis generally a test tube shape. The mixing chamber 32 is an annularmixing chamber around the porous mandrel 34. The annular mixing chamber32 generally follows the shape of the porous mandrel 34 and is generallyan elongate annular tube. The porous mandrel 34 has an open end that isin flow communication with the air conduit 30. The mixing chamber has anexit nozzle or outlet 36.

The air chamber 26 has an air inlet 38. The liquid chamber 24 has aliquid chamber inlet 40. Non-retum valves 42 are positioned in the airinlet 38, the liquid inlet 40, the liquid conduit 28 and the air conduit30. Preferably the non-retum valves 42 are positioned proximate to theliquid chamber 24 and the air chamber 26 respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the container 12 is in flow communicationwith the liquid inlet 40 through the puck loading system 44. The puckloading system 44, as best seen in FIG. 2, includes a drive wheel 46, askim and load wheel 48 and an idler gear 50 therebetween. Idler gear 50intermeshes with the central axis 61 of the drive wheel 46 and thecentral axis 62 of the skim and load wheel 48. The drive wheel 46 has aplurality of posts 52 extending upwardly therefrom. A drive wheel shaft54 sequentially engages posts 52. Skim and load wheel 48 has a pluralityof apertures 56 formed therein. Skim and load wheel 48 is rotatablypositioned in throat 58 of container 12. A cap 60 holds skim and loadwheel 48 in position. Skim and load wheel 48 has a central axis 62 thatextends through cap 60 so that it engages idler gear 50. A feed insert64 has a conduit 66 that extends upwardly into the container 12. Feedinsert 64 has an aperture 68 formed therein which is sequentially inregistration with aperture 56 in the skim and load wheel 48. Conduit 66is similarly sequentially in registration with aperture 56 and when inregistration it is in flow communication with liquid chamber inlet 40.Puck loading system 44 is designed to be used with liquid that hasparticles therein that sink. Thus the liquid is divided into a portionthat has a low concentration of particles 45 and a high concentration ofparticles 47. A puck 49 (shown in FIG. 3) is a predetermined volume ofliquid of high concentration particles.

In use, a person causes the drive bar 18 to move inwardly. This causesthe liquid piston 20 and the air piston 22 to reduce the interior volumeof the liquid chamber 24 and the air chamber 26 respectively. As wellthis causes the puck loading system to be activated. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the drive bar 18 could bemoved by simply pushing it forward but alternatively it could also bemoved automatically responsive to a motion sensor or other type ofsensor. The increase in pressure caused by moving pistons 20 and 22 willopen non-retum valves 42 in the liquid conduit 28 and air conduit 30respectively. Air is pushed into the air chamber 35 of the foamingcomponent 15 and liquid is pushed into the mixing chamber 32. The air inthe air chamber 35 is pushed through the porous mandrel 34 formingbubbles in the liquid which results in a foam. The liquid in thecontainer 12 includes particles which tend to sink. As stated abovemoving the drive bar 18 also causes the puck loading system to beactivated. That is the drive wheel 46 engages a post 54 and moves itforwardly. This causes the drive wheel 46 to rotate which in turn causesthe skim and load wheel 48 to rotate. When an aperture 56 in the ski andload wheel 48 is in registration with the aperture 68 in the feed insert64 a puck is loaded. When that particular aperture is advanced such thatit is in registration with conduit 66, that particular puck will dropdown and when valve 42 in liquid inlet 40 is released the puck will besucked into liquid chamber 24. When the drive bar 18 is released thedrive bar moves back to the at rest position, causing a vacuum in theliquid chamber 24 and the air chamber 26 thus closing the valves 42 inthe liquid conduit 28 and the air conduit 30 and opening the valves 42in the liquid inlet 40 and the air inlet 38. Liquid and a puck then flowinto the liquid chamber 24 and air flows into the air chamber 26. Whenequilibrium is reached the valves will close. The dispenser is thenready to dispense the next shot of foam.

A second alternate embodiment of the dispenser for dispensing foam withsuspended particles is shown generally at 70 in FIG. 4. In thisembodiment there are first and second rigid liquid containers 72 and 74respectively. The first liquid container 72 is a rigid container and isprovided with an air hole 102. Similarly second liquid container 74 is arigid container and is provided with an air hole 112. In this secondalternate embodiment the containers are rigid containers but it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that alternatively collapsiblecontainers could be used. Most of the features of this embodiment aresimilar to those described above in regard to the first embodiment 10and only those features that are different will be specificallydiscussed. This embodiment combines the liquid from the first liquidcontainer 72 with the liquid from second liquid container 74. Typicallyone of the liquids will have a high concentration of particles and theother of the liquids will be generally particle-free. Foam dispenser 70has a pump mechanism 76 similar to that described above, including adrive bar 18, a liquid piston 20 and an air piston 22. First liquidcontainer 72 has an inlet 78 which is in flow communication with theliquid chamber 24. A non return valve 80 is positioned in inlet 78.Second liquid container 74 is in flow communication with liquid conduit28 through inlet 82. A non return valve 84 is positioned in inlet 82. Aventuri 86 is formed in liquid conduit 28 before inlet 82 and proximatethereto. Venturi 86 aids in the mixing of the liquid from the firstcontainer 72 with the liquid from the second container 74. Specifically,the venturi 86 is a restriction of flow that creates a vacuum on itsright side, and sucks liquid from second container 74 into the system tofill the void. The liquid with a high concentration of particles may bepositioned in either first container 72 or second container 74 butpreferably it will be positioned in second container 74. The remainderof dispenser 70 is as described above in regard to dispenser 10.

In use, the second embodiment of the dispenser 70 functions verysimilarly to the first embodiment. The main difference between these twoembodiments is that the second embodiment has first and second liquidcontainers 72, 74 which are in flow communication with the liquidconduit 28. To initiate foaming the drive bar 18 is moved inwardly, thusmoving pistons 20 and 22 into their respective chambers 24, 26. Theincrease in pressure caused by moving pistons 20 and 22 will opennon-retum valves 42 in the liquid conduit 28 and air conduit 30respectively. Venturi 86 aids in the mixing of liquid from liquidcontainers 72 and 74. When the liquid from the first and secondcontainers are mixed the resulting combination, in a preferredembodiment, has a viscosity of about 100 centipose. The resultingcombination will be mechanically unstable in that the particles willtend to either float or sink depending on the particular particles used.As discussed above preferably second liquid container 74 will have ahigher concentration of particles suspended therein. Air is pushed intothe air chamber 35 of the foaming component 15 and liquid is pushed intothe mixing chamber 32. The air in the air chamber 35 is pushed throughthe porous mandrel 34 forming bubbles in the liquid which results in afoam. When the drive bar 18 is released the drive bar moves back to theat rest position, causing a vacuum in the liquid chamber 24 and the airchamber 26 thus closing the valves 42 in the liquid conduit 28 and theair conduit 30 and opening the valves 80, 84 in the liquid inlets 78, 82and valve 42 in the air inlet 42. Liquid flows into the liquid chamber24 and liquid conduit 28 and air flows into the air chamber 26. Whenequilibrium is reached the valves will close. The dispenser is thenready to dispense the next shot of foam.

The third alternate embodiment of the dispenser for dispensing foam withsuspended particles is shown generally at 90 in FIG. 5. In thisembodiment there are a first and a second collapsible container, 100 and110 respectively. This third embodiment is similar to those shown abovebut a separate piston is provided for the second liquid container 110.Specifically, the pump mechanism 92 includes first liquid piston 94, asecond liquid piston 96 and an air piston 98, all of which are driven bydrive bar 18. First liquid container 100 is in flow communication with afirst liquid chamber 104 through inlet 106. A non-return valve 108 ispositioned therein. Second liquid container 110 is in flow communicationwith a second liquid chamber 114 through inlet 116. A non-retum valve118 is positioned therein.

Generally the second liquid container 110 will have a liquid with a highparticle concentration and the first liquid container 100 has generallyno particles. The high particles liquid and the no particles liquid arecombined in conduit 120. Conduit 120 is in flow communication with firstliquid chamber 104 and second liquid chamber 114 through non returnvalves 122.

As in the previous embodiments there is a foaming component 15. The airconduit 30 is in flow communication with the mixing chamber 32 throughthe porous mandrel 34. Similarly the liquid is in flow communicationwith the mixing chamber 32.

In this embodiment the mandrel 34 and mixing chamber 32 are orientedvertically. In this embodiment the mixing chamber is provided with anelongate exit nozzle 124.

In use, the third embodiment of the dispenser 90 functions verysimilarly to the second embodiment. The main difference between thesetwo embodiments is that the third embodiment has a separate piston foreach liquid container 100 and 110. To initiate foaming the drive bar 18is moved inwardly, thus moving pistons 94, 96 and 98 into theirrespective chambers 104, 114, and 26. The increase in pressure caused bymoving liquid pistons 94, 96 and air piston 98 will open non-retumvalves 122, 42 in the liquid conduit 120 and air conduit 30respectively. Air is pushed into the air chamber 35 of the foamingcomponent 15 and liquid is pushed into the mixing chamber 32. The air inthe air chamber 35 is pushed through the porous mandrel 34 formingbubbles in the liquid which results in a foam. When the drive bar 18 isreleased the drive bar moves back to the at rest position, causing avacuum in the liquid chambers 104,114 and the air chamber 26 thusclosing the valves 122, 42 in the liquid conduit 120 and the air conduit30, respectively and opening the valves 108, 118 in the liquid inlets106, 116 and valve 42 in the air inlet 38. Liquid flows into the liquidchamber 104 and 114 and liquid conduit 120 and air flows into the airchamber 26. When equilibrium is reached the valves will close. Thedispenser is then ready to dispense the next shot of foam.

The fourth embodiment of the dispenser for dispensing foam withsuspended particles is shown generally at 130 in FIG. 6. The fourthembodiment includes an agitator mechanism 132. The fourth embodiment hassome features similar to those found in the first embodiment and thethird embodiments. Specifically the fourth embodiment includes a liquidpiston 20 and an air piston 22 operably connected to a drive bar 18. Theliquid chamber 24 is in flow communication with the mixing chamber 32 ofthe foaming component 15 via the liquid conduit 28. The air chamber 26is in flow communication via the air conduit 30 with the mixing chamber32 through the porous mandrel 34. As in the third embodiment the mixingchamber 32 and the porous mandrel 34 are oriented vertically and themixing chamber 32 has an elongate exit nozzle 124.

The agitator mechanism 132 includes a motor 134 and an agitator device136. The agitator device. 136 extends into the interior of the liquidcontainer 138. The liquid container 138 is a rigid container and isprovided with a vent hole 139. Preferably the agitator device is a pinwheel but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that anumber of alternate agitator devices could also be used. Preferably themotor 134 is an electric motor and it is powered by batteries 140.

In use the fourth embodiment 130 functions similarly to those describedabove. The main difference is that when drive bar 18 is moved forwardlythe agitator mechanism is activated. Specifically when activated the pinwheel will rotate thus mixing the particles that have either sunk to thebottom or floated to the top and thus when the liquid is sucked into theliquid chamber 24 a mixture of liquid and particles is sucked into theliquid chamber 24.

The fifth embodiment of the dispenser for dispensing foam with suspendedparticles is shown generally at 150 in FIG. 7. The fifth embodiment issimilar to that shown in FIG. 1 but It includes a skimming mechanism152. This embodiment is adapted for use in association with liquid thathas particles 154 which over time will float to the top of the liquid156. The skimmer mechanism is adapted to skim the floating particlesfrom the top. Specifically, the fifth embodiment includes a liquidpiston 20 and an air piston 22 operably connected to a drive bar 18. Aliquid chamber 24 is in flow communication with the mixing chamber 32 ofthe foaming component 15 via the liquid conduit 28. Similarly, the airchamber 26 is in flow communication via the air conduit 30 with themixing chamber 32 through the porous mandrel 34. As in the firstembodiment the mixing chamber 32 and the porous mandrel 34 are orientedhorizontally. An exit nozzle or mixing chamber outlet 36 has anelastomeric valve 158 positioned therein.

The skimming mechanism 152 Includes a scooped auger 160 connected to anauger wheel 162. A cap 164 is provided with an auger sleeve 166extending upwardly into the interior of container 168. The top of thesleeve 166 is open to the liquid 156 in the interior of the container168. Thus as the scooped auger 160 turns it scoops particles 154 thathave floated to the top. The auger 160 moves particles 154 to the bottomof the container. At the same time liquid 156 flows into the sleeve 166.The sleeve has an outlet 170 that is in flow communication with liquidchamber inlet 40. The auger wheel 162 is operably connected to the drivebar 18 using a drive wheel shaft 172, a drive wheel 174 and an idlergear 176. These are connected in a similar fashion as drive wheel 46 andskim and load wheel 48 shown in FIG. 2.

In use the fifth embodiment 150 functions similarly to the firstembodiment. When the drive bar is moved forwardly the skimming mechanism152 is activated. Specifically the scooped auger 160 is rotated. As thescooped auger rotates it scoops up particles 154 that have floated tothe top and carries them down to the sleeve 166 and outlet 170. Thuswhen valve 42 in liquid inlet 40 is opened a mixture of liquid andparticles enters liquid chamber 24.

The sixth embodiment of the dispenser for dispensing foam with suspendedparticles is shown generally at 180 in FIG. 8. This is similar to thatshown in FIG. 1 but using diaphragm type pistons. This embodiment isadapted to be used with a single homogeneous liquid. However, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that this embodiment can easilybe modified to include a skimmer, an agitator or a puck loading system.

The sixth embodiment 180 includes a liquid diaphragm piston 182, aliquid chamber 184, an air diaphragm piston 186 and an air chamber 188.The liquid diaphragm piston 182 and the air diaphragm piston 186 areoperably connected to a drive bar 18. As in the above embodiments aliquid conduit 28 is in flow communication with the liquid chamber 184and an air conduit 30 is in flow communication with the air chamber 188.The liquid chamber 184 has an inlet 192 in flow communication with thecollapsible liquid container 194. The air chamber 188 has an air inlet196. Non-retum valves 42 are positioned in the liquid chamber inlet 192,the liquid conduit 28, the air inlet 196 and the air conduit 30. The airconduit 30 is in flow communication with the mixing chamber 32 throughthe porous mandrel 34. The liquid conduit 28 is in flow communicationwith the mixing chamber 32 of the foaming component. A mixing chamberexit nozzle 36 extends from the mixing chamber 32.

In use the sixth embodiment 180 functions similar to those describedabove but rather than piston pumps it uses diaphragm pumps. In additionit has a single liquid container input.

The seventh embodiment of the dispenser for dispensing foam withsuspended particles of the present invention is shown generally at 200in FIG. 9. The seventh embodiment combines many of the features shown inthe previous embodiments. Specifically, the seventh embodiment uses arigid container 202 having a vent hole 204 formed in the top thereof. Asdiscussed above the liquid may be foamable liquid with or withoutparticles suspended therein. The remainder of dispenser 200 is similarto that shown in FIG. 6. Specifically the seventh embodiment includes aliquid piston 20 and an air piston 22 operably connected to a drive bar18. A liquid chamber 24 is in flow communication with the mixing chamber32 of the foaming component 15 via the liquid conduit 28. Similarly, theair chamber 26 is in flow communication, via the air conduit 30, withthe mixing chamber 32 through the porous mandrel 34. The mixing chamber32 and the porous mandrel 34 are oriented vertically and it has anelongate exit nozzle 124.

In use the seventh embodiment 200 functions similar to those describedabove but as with the sixth embodiment it has a single liquid containerinput.

The eighth embodiment of the dispenser for dispensing foam withsuspended particles is shown generally at 201 in FIG. 10. The eighthembodiment is similar to that shown in FIG. 7 but the liquid container168 is positioned upright. This embodiment is adapted for use inassociation with liquid that has particles 154 which over time sink tothe bottom of the liquid 156. The auger mechanism is essentially thesame as the skimmer mechanism described above and it is adapted to moveparticles that have sunk to the bottom. Specifically, the eighthembodiment includes a liquid piston 20 and an air piston 22 operablyconnected to a drive bar 18. A liquid chamber 24 is in flowcommunication with the mixing chamber 32 of the foaming component 15 viathe liquid conduit 28. Similarly, the air chamber 26 is in flowcommunication via the air conduit 30 with the mixing chamber 32 throughthe porous mandrel 34. As in the first embodiment the mixing chamber 32and the porous mandrel 34 are oriented horizontally. An exit nozzle ormixing chamber outlet 36 has an elastomeric valve 158 positionedtherein.

The auger or skimming mechanism 152 includes a scooped auger 160connected to an auger wheel 162. A cap 164 is provided with an augersleeve 203 extending upwardly into the interior of container 168. Inthis embodiment the auger sleeve 203 extends to proximate to the bottomof container 168. Thus as the scooped auger 160 turns it scoopsparticles 154 that have sunk to the bottom. The auger 160 movesparticles 154 to the bottom of the container. At the same time liquid156 flows into the sleeve 203. The sleeve has an outlet 170 that is inflow communication with liquid chamber inlet 40. The auger wheel 162 isoperably connected to the drive bar 18 using a drive wheel shaft 172, adrive wheel 174 and an idler gear 176. These are connected in a similarfashion as drive wheel 46 and skim and load wheel 48.

In use the eighth embodiment 201 operates the same as the fifthembodiment 150 but the auger moves particles from the bottom of thecontainer 168 to the top of the container.

FIG. 11 shows a ninth embodiment 205 which is essentially the same asthe embodiment shown in third embodiment 90 in FIG. 5. Specifically, thepump mechanism 92 includes first liquid piston 94, a second liquidpiston 96 and an air piston 98, all of which are driven by drive bar 18.First liquid container 100 is in flow communication with a first liquidchamber 104 through inlet 106. A non-retum valve 108 is positionedtherein. Second liquid container 110 is in flow communication with asecond liquid chamber 114 through inlet 116. A non-retum valve 118 ispositioned therein.

Generally the second liquid container 110 will have a liquid with a highparticles concentration and the first liquid container 100 has generallyno particles. The high particles liquid and the no particles liquid arecombined in conduit 120. Conduit 120 is in flow communication with firstliquid chamber 104 and second liquid chamber 114 through non returnvalves 122.

As in the previous embodiments there is a foaming component 15. The airconduit 30 is in flow communication with the mixing chamber 32 throughthe porous mandrel 34. Similarly, the liquid is in flow communicationwith the mixing chamber 32. in this embodiment the mandrel 34 and mixingchamber 32 are oriented vertically. In this embodiment the mixingchamber is provided with an elongate exit nozzle 124.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodimentswith the upright containers are shown by way of example only and thatembodiments with the inverted containers may be adapted to be used withupright containers. Further it will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art that the upright containers are particularly useful as under thecounter soap dispensers.

FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of the foaming component 209. Thefoaming component 209 includes a mixing chamber 210 and a porous mandrel34. Mixing chamber 210 is generally annular and has an upstream wideannular portion 212 and downstream narrow annular portion 214. A smoothtransition is 216 is provided between the upstream annular portion 212and the downstream annular portion 214. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that the foaming component 209 may be oriented eitherhorizontally or vertically.

Third and fourth embodiments of foaming component are shown generally at220 and 222 respectively in FIGS. 13 and 14. It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the foaming components shown in theprevious embodiments are a preferred configuration of the foamingcomponents. The previous foaming components 15 include a mixing chamber32 that is generally an annular elongate chamber positioned around aporous mandrel 34. Alternatively the foaming component includes a mixingchamber that is a stepped annular mixing chamber. The porous mandrel 34in those embodiments acts as an air sparging element. Generally theobjective is to maximize the air that is bubbled into the liquid. Inorder to achieve this an interface or air sparging element is providedbetween the air and the liquid through which liquid passes. A porousmaterial provides a plurality of microscopic holes through which the airmay pass. Altematively a mesh or grid could be provided through whichthe air must pass. As discussed above the preferred embodiment includesa porous mandrel 34 and an annular mixing chamber 32. This provides agood use of space in conjunction with a reasonable surface area throughwhich the air must pass. However it will be appreciated by those skilledin the art that there are a number of configurations which would alsowork.

Examples of two alternate foaming components are shown in FIGS. 13 and14. Foaming component 220 is a generally elongate rectangular box withan air sparging plate 224 therein. The air sparging plate 224 dividesthe foaming component 220 into an air chamber 226 and a mixing chamber228. An air inlet 230 directs air from the pump mechanism into the airchamber portion of the foaming component 220.

Similarly a liquid inlet 232 directs liquid from the pump mechanism intothe mixing chamber 228. The mixing chamber 228 is provided with anoutlet 234. The liquid is typically soap or a soap particles mixture. Asin previous embodiments air is pushed into the foaming component andpushed through the air sparging plate or mandrel to create air bubblesin the liquid. The air sparging plate 224 shown in FIG. 13 is made of aporous material. Alternatively the air sparging plate could be made of asolid material with a plurality of holes as shown at 236 in FIG. 14. Theremaining features of the foaming component 222 shown in FIG. 14 are thesame as those shown in FIG. 13. It will be appreciated by those skilledin the art that there are a number of materials that may be used as anair sparging element. Some examples are sintered polyethylene, sinteredbronze, sintered stainless steel, micro porous materials PTFEPolyTetraFlourEthylene (eg GORTEX™), micro porous urethane (eg Porelle®)micro porous ceramics, non woven polyester and acrylic mats ormulti-layer stainless steel gauze, to name a few.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that FIGS. 1-14 arechematic representations of the invention herein. Specifically, thecontainers shown in hese figures are generally not to scale. It will beappreciated that the containers could come in a variety of sizes. Atenth embodiment of the dispenser for dispensing foam with suspendedparticles of the present invention is shown generally at 250 in FIGS. 15and 16. These figures show one configuration of the relative sizes ofthe collapsible container 252, the pump mechanism 254 and the foamingcomponent 256. This embodiment is similar to the seventh embodiment 200shown in FIG. 9 but with a collapsible container. The dispenser wouldlikely also include a protective cover (not shown) to ensure thatnon-authorized people cannot access the mechanisms. In all of theembodiments there is a biasing means such as springs 258 to move thedrive bar 18 into the at rest or fully extended position. Thisconfiguration could easily be adapted to accommodate a rigid container,two containers, a vertical foaming component or any of the othervariations described above.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are anumber of parameters that may be varied in regard to the dimensions inthe foaming component. For example, as discussed above, the material ofthe mandrel, the length of the mandrel, the width of the annular mixingchamber and the length of the mixing chamber outlet may be varied. Inorder to determine the dimensions that will be used a method ofevaluating the foam was developed.

The inventors developed a method of evaluating the foam to help in thedesign of the specific dimensions of the foaming component. The foam isevaluated in terms of the bubble size, the pride, the bubble stamina,coverage and rinse. The bubble size was determined by obtaining one shotof foam from the dispenser being analyzed. The size of the bubbles wasdetermined using the scale shown in FIG. 17 as a guide. Decimal pointswere used to distinguish between bubbles that fell between two bubblesizes. Pride is used to describe the foam stiffness, specifically theability of the foam to hold its shape and not sag down and spread out.To determine the pride a photograph of the foam shot was taken on alevel with the foam. A protractor superimposed on the photographic imageto measure the internal angle. An angle of 70 is very proud; closer to10 degrees is shy. An example of this is shown in FIG. 18. The bubblestamina was determined by measuring the time that the bubbles last whilerubbing hands together. The foam coverage was determined by firstdischarging three shots of foam onto a dish, weighing the dish with thefoam, removing foam from the dish until the users hands are well coveredand determining the amount used and thus the foam coverage. The abilityof the foam to be rinsed off is also an important characteristic. Todetermine the ability to rinse the foam, a test was performed wherein afunnel was attached to a faucet to ensure a constant flow rate and theuser's hands were covered with foam and thereafter were rinsed whilecatching the water in a large measuring cup or bowl and then weighingthe water.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thesecharacteristics help to determine the salability of the foam and thusthe dispenser of the foam. Specifically the foam coverage is importantbecause if the foam covers the user's hands well it is likely that lesssoap will be used by each user and therefore the cost per use is less.Similarly the better the rinse characteristics the less water that isused and therefore the less the overall cost per hand wash.

Further, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theterm valve used herein could have a very broad definition. As is wellknown at its broadest a valve is a device in a pipe or an aperture thatcontrols the passage of air, steam or liquid. Accordingly a valve may bea mechanical device as shown herein or alternatively it may be a seriesof weirs that control the flow of the liquid. Specifically a valve asused herein in regard to non-return valves 42, 80, 84, 108, 118 and 122as well as elastomeric valve 158 could be replaced by weirs.

In order to provide a rating system marks were assigned to eachcharacteristic. Specifically in regard to the bubble size a mark out of10 was determined from the scale shown in FIG. 17. In regard to thestamina, it was decided that 20 secs of duration deserved a ten out often which lead to every two seconds being worth one point. Therefore 10sec equals 5 out of 10. The pride was measured in degrees from 0-90. Itwas decided that an angle of 70 degrees was considered a 10 and 10degrees was a 1. Therefore 40 degrees is 4/7 which equals 5.7 out of 10.Coverage was measured in grams and the fewer the better. It was decidedthat a score of zero was assigned to 3:6 grams and a score of ten wasassigned to 0.6 grams. The score out of ten is calculated by theequation x=(y−3.6)/−0.2 which comes from the equation of a line formulay=mx+b, where x represents the points and y is the result in grams. Therinse was measured in grams and the fewer grams of water the better. Theequation to find the value for rinse was x=(y−375)/−25.

A number of foam samples were tested and given five scores out of tenthat were weighted and averaged to give a final percentage score. Eachcriterion was given a weight on how much it sways the final preferencerating. Bubble size, duration and stiffness were weighted at 25%,coverage was at 15% and rinse was weighted at 10%. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that a score of 100 may notnecessarily be the most desirable foam because it may be slightly toostiff and the bubbles too small somewhat like mousse. However in thisexperiment the objective was to get as close to 100, and if there werecertain characteristics that may not be somewhat undesirable the designcan be modified from there. One hypothesis is that the ideal foam wouldbe near 85 on this scale.

The results from some experiments using this methodology are shown inthe following table. Expenmental Results Annulus Bubble (mm size StaminaPride Coverage Rinse Average gap) (25%) (25%) (25%) (15%) (10%) scoreRating!  3.2 3.93 6.00 5.24 5.8 7.33 5.66 53.96  2.1 5.97 3.55 4.90 5.76.79 5.38 51.39  1.2 4.53 4.08 5.48 6.3 7.01 5.48 51.69  0.72 7.53 4.736.00 5.2 7.72 6.24 61.19  0.065 7.93 7.25 6.67 9.3 7.81 7.79 76.39

Mandrel (mm)  9.2 5.20 3.93 6.00 4.8 7.09 5.40 52.12

34.6 7.18 7.00 6.94 6.9 6.62 6.93 69.77 46.5 6.40 7.15 6.29 9.3 7.587.34 71.12 Vertical

Exit Nozzle Length

36 7.02 6.10 6.86 8   7.13 7.02 69.07 18 8.06 5.30 7.14 8.5 7.09 7.2271.10  0 7.54 7.00 5.86 8.7 5.95 6.61 66.99 Air Ratio

Gojo 9   4.83 8.57 12.2 7.62 8.44 81.93 hand 8   10   7.86 8   5.45 7.8682.10 pump ideal 9.3  8   8.00 9   9   85.75

The highlighted results are a preferred state of the variables. By usinga stepped annulus we were able to be cost effective and use the 22 mmmandrel as well as decrease the chance for clogging. Placing the mixingchamber vertically helped the stepped annulus to work even better. A 55mm exit nozzle helped produce the best foam. The characteristics of thefoam improve the more it is sheared. It was assumed that the elongateexit nozzle was providing back pressure and this could be alternativelyachieved by using an elastomeric valve. An air ratio of 45:1 producedfoam that had a good combination of pride and bubble size. This was witha heavy duty type soap. It will be appreciated by those skilled in theart that the air to soap ratio may vary between 8:1 and 80:1. Thepreferred ratio will depend on the quality of foam desired and thesurfactant content in the soap.

In one embodiment the porous mandrel 34 was constructed from a sinteredpolymer. The sintered polymer will typically have a pore size thatranges from 10 to 300 microns. Preferably the pore size is as small aspracticable and this is a function of the surface tension and therelative densities of the liquid and the mandrel material. The length ofthe mandrel ranges from 9 to 47 mm. The diameter of the mandrel rangesfrom 5-20 mm. In one embodiment the mandrel has a diameter of 12.65 mm,a length of 22 mm and a pore size of 100 microns.

The gap between the mandrel and the outside wall of the foamingcomponent or the width of the annular mixing chamber ranges from 0.06 to3.5 mm. Generally, the smaller the width of the annulus the better thequality of foam. However, this design constraint must be balancedagainst the risk of the clogging and generally the smaller the width ofthe annulus the higher the risk of clogging. Empirically, it wasdetermined that the minimum width of the annular mixing chamber is 1.5times the size of the particles when using a 7% particles to soap ratioby weight. Generally if the annulus is smaller than 1.5 times theparticle size, the particles will clog. Further if the concentration ofparticles is increased, the particles will clog unless the width of theannulus is increased. Generally the foam quality is reduced if the widthof the annulus is increased, however empirically it was determined thatat 8 times the particle size using a 7% particles to soap ratio byweight. It was also determined that a stepped annulus produced goodquality foam. In the stepped annulus embodiment similar to that shown inFIG. 12, the width of the annular mixing chamber is 3.2 mm along thefirst 10 mm of the mandrel and then the width becomes 0.7 mm for thelast 12mm. Using this technique, it was determined that the steppedannular mixing chamber produced better quality foam using a 22 mmmandrel compared to a 46.5 mm mandrel with a constant width annularmixing chamber. Preferably the width of the annular mixing chamberremains constant in the different sections of the mixing chamber. Thatis, the shape of the mixing chamber, particularly around the end of themandrel, follows the contour of the mandrel.

Further, it was empirically noted that the best foam was produced usinga long exit nozzle. Specifically based on the experiments conducted thebest performance was achieved from a 55 mm length exit nozzle that was 5mm in diameter. Alternatively an elastomeric valve can be used to createa comparable back pressure. It was also noted that the best results wereachieved when the foaming component is oriented vertically instead ofhorizontally. However, this may be difficult to accommodate within thefootprint of conventional dispensers.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a wide varietyof soaps and combinations of soap and particles may be used with thepresent invention. Generally. any foamable liquid may be foamed usingthe dispenser of the present invention. In regard to the particles, awide variety of particles may be used. Some examples of particlesinclude pumice, commeal, ground walnut shells, ground fruit stones, woodflour, microcapsules, microbeads (polyethylene, polypropylene etc.), anddried pulses (peas etc.). Typically the microbeads float, while theothers listed types of particles sink. These are the types of particlesthat are used as abrasives in soaps for use on heavily soiled skin orfor exfoliating. Alternatively other particles could be used for otherpurposes. For example the particles may be microcapsules that whenbroken release a fragrance, or microcapsules that have an activeconstituent that is unstable such that when it is broken an exothermicreaction takes place and the foam will be a heated foam. Whether theparticles float or sink or stay in suspension depends on the rheologicalproperties of the liquid. Non-Newtonian liquids/gels with a yield value(such as Casson and Bingham fluids) have suspending properties which donot depend on viscosity or density. Generally the percentage ofparticles in the foam will not affect the quality of the foam. Thepercentage of particles in the foam can vary greatly and would bedependent on the particular use. Generally the percentage of particlesby weight will vary from 1% to 20% and will be dependent on therequirements of the particular market, the characteristics of the foamand the type and size of the particles. The size of the particles mayvary and an appropriate size should be chosen to provide the desired“feel”. Generally the size of the particle is linked to its surfaceroughness and to its hardness. Hard mineral particles such as silica,calcium carbonate etc. are generally preferably between 90 and 130microns. Organic particles such as corn meal are generally preferably ata higher granulometry of between 200 and 700 microns because they aresofter. Generally particles will range from 90 to 700 microns. Generallythe viscosity of the liquid can range from 2 centipose at 25 degrees C.to 100 centipose at 25 degrees C., wherein the liquid is a liquid withor without particles therein.

When considering the above dispensers for dispensing foam with particlessuspended therein, there are potentially four different types of liquidsthat are used for inputs. Specifically, liquids wherein the particlestend to float, liquids wherein the particles tend to sink, liquidswherein the particles are suspended throughout and two liquids which arereleased generally at the same time into the liquid conduit prior tobeing dispensed. In addition, there is the embodiment wherein the liquidis agitated in the liquid container prior to being released into theliquid conduit.

In regard to the alternative wherein there is one liquid input, theliquid may include the following ingredients: water, surfactants(non-ionics and/or anionics and/or amphoterics and/or cationics), atleast one non-Newtonian thickener with significant yield value (acrylicand/or acrylate-based polymers and copolymers, natural gums, pyrogenatedsilica, clay, bentonites and their derivatives or combinations), atleast one preservative (able to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeastsand molds), solvent(s) (terpenes, hydrocarbon-based solvents, esters,ethers, alcohols, glycols etc.). It may also contain someemollients/moisturisers (polyols, plyethylene glycol derivates, fattyesters, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, glycerides, triglycerides etc. ),pH-adjuster (acis or alkali). As well, it may also contain some cosmeticadditives such as perfume, colouring dyes etc. These liquids could beused in association with pumice, cornmeal, ground walnut shells, groundfruit stones, wood flour, microcapsules, microbeads (polyethylene,polypropylene etc.), and dried pulses (peas etc.). The appropriatedispenser is chosen dependent on the characteristics of the liquid andparticle input. The two liquid system may have similar ingredientsdistributed between the two liquids.

In regard to the alternative using two liquid, the fist liquid is a highviscosity liquid with the particles suspended therein and the secondliquid when mixed with the first liquid provides a liquid with aviscosity generally between 2 centipose at 25° C. to 100 centipose at 25° C. The high viscosity liquid may have a water base. It may furtherinclude cleaning agents such as surfactants, emollients, humectants,solvents, cosmetic ingredients or a combination thereof and anappropriate thickener such as carbomers, natural and synthetic gums or acombination thereof. The low viscosity diluents may contain water,additional cleaners, surfactants, electrolytes or other desirableingredients that would reduce the high viscosity cleanser orcombinations thereof. The percentage of particles in the high viscosityliquid is chosen such that once mixed with the second liquid thepercentage of particles is between 1% and 20% by weight of the resultingfoam.

The proportion of mixing the two parts can be varied to suit the needsof the particular formulation, but would typically be from 20:80 to80:20. Each part could contain various parts of the desired final foam,such as cleansers, conditioners, emollients, fragrances, colours. Thepreferred proportion is 50:50 for ease of handling.

The ingredients for the two liquids are chosen such that when combinedthe viscosity of the combination will range from 2 centipose at 25degrees C. to 100 centipose at 25 degrees C. The change in viscositywhen the two liquids are mixed can be achieved by dilution, by varyingthe pH or by modifying the electrolyte content. Generally dilution willwork for most thickeners.

Alternatively, by changing the pH of the suspension liquid by mixingwith the diluent liquid, an appropriate viscosity for the foamablemixture may be obtained. This approach will work with a select type ofthickeners. These thickeners require a predetermined pH or range of pHto thicken a liquid and if pH of the liquid falls outside that range thethickener no longer acts as a thickener. Accordingly, such a thickenermay be used in the high viscosity liquid with the particles suspendedtherein and an acid may be used in the low viscosity liquid. Thereforeon mixing the pH will be lowered so that the mixture is outside theeffective range for the thickener and thus an acceptable viscosity formaking foam is achieved. Carbomers are an example of such thickeners andthey could be used in association with a suitable physiologicallyacceptable acid such as citric acid. Generally, an acrylic acid-basedthickener such as carbomer and a solution of electrolyte sodium chlorideis the preferred system. Once both ingredients are mixed together, theelectrolyte will reduce the thickeners Zeta potential and willdisorganise irreversibly its three dimensional network and therefore theviscosity will drop. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat system wherein the viscosity drop is achieved within an acceptabletime frame should be chosen.

Similarly the desired viscosity of the mixture of the first and secondliquids may be obtained by modifying the electrolyte content. Forexample methyicellulose when in a solution with low electrolyte willexhibit thickening characteristics but when mixed such that the newsolution has a high electrolyte content the viscosity lowers or breaksdown. A sodium chloride solution may be used in the second liquid toraise the electrolyte content. Another calcium salts and metals may beused in the second liquid to raise the electrolyte content.

The type of strategy or method to use in order to achieve the rightmixture will be entirely dependant upon the Industrial Cleanercomposition and which thickener is used in it to then decide what is thebest approach to dilute to the required viscosity in order to foam.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that there are a number ofvariations that may be made while being within the scope of the patent.Specifically the liquid containers may be either rigid or collapsible.The dispenser may be used with soap, a soap and particles mixture, orsoap and a high concentration of particles in separate containers. Theliquid which includes particles may have the particles suspendedtherein. Altematively the dispenser may be designed to work withparticles that sink or particles that float.

As used herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are to beconstrued as being inclusive and opened rather than exclusive.Specifically, when used in this specification including the claims, theterms “comprises” and “comprising” and variations thereof mean that thespecified features, steps or components are included. The terms are notto be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps orcomponents.

It will be appreciated that the above description related to theinvention by way of example only. Many variations on the invention willbe obvious to those skilled in the art and such obvious variations arewithin the scope of the invention as described herein whether or notexpressly described.

1. A foaming component for use in association with a foaming dispenseran air sparging element; a mixing chamber on one side of the airsparging element and the air sparging element defining a portion of themixing chamber and the mixing chamber having a liquid inlet; an airchamber on the other side of the air sparging element and the airsparging element defining a portion of the air chamber and the airchamber having an air inlet; a mixing chamber outlet down stream of theliquid inlet in the mixing chamber.
 2. A foaming component as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the air sparging element is generally a test tube shape.3. A foaming component as claimed in claim 2 wherein the mixing chamberis generally an elongate annular tube.
 4. A foaming component as claimedin claim 3 wherein the mixing chamber outlet is a nozzle.
 5. A foamingcomponent as claimed in claim 4 wherein the nozzle is an elongatenozzle.
 6. A foaming component as claimed in claim 5 wherein the nozzlehas a valve positioned therein.
 7. A foaming component as claimed inclaim 6 wherein the valve is an elastomeric valve.
 8. A foamingcomponent as claimed in claim 1 wherein the foaming component isoriented vertically.
 9. A foaming component as claimed in claim 1wherein the foaming component is oriented horizontally.
 10. A foamingcomponent as claimed in claim 3 wherein a liquid being for use inassociation with the foaming dispenser and the liquid includes aplurality of particles having a predetermined average diameter and thewidth of the annular tube is 1.5 to 8 times the average diameter of theplurality of particles.
 11. A foaming component as claimed in claim 10wherein the width of the annular tube is 1.5 times the average diameterof the plurality of particles.
 12. A foaming component as claimed inclaim 10 wherein the width of the annular tube is 0.06 to 3.5 mm.
 13. Afoaming component as claimed in claim 12 wherein the length of the airsparging element is 9 to 47 mm.
 14. A foaming component as claimed inclaim 13 wherein the diameter of the air sparging element is 5 to 20 mm.15. A foaming component as claimed in claim 1 wherein the air spargingelement is generally a planar element.
 16. A foam dispenser for use inassociation with a liquid: a liquid container; a foaming componentincluding: an air sparging element; a mixing chamber on one side of theair sparging element and the air sparging element defining a portion ofthe mixing chamber and the mixing chamber having a liquid inlet in flowcommunication with the liquid container; a foaming component air chamberon the other side of the air sparging element and the air spargingelement defining a portion of the air chamber and the air chamber havingan air inlet; a mixing chamber outlet down stream of the liquid inlet inthe mixing chamber; and a pump operably connected to the liquid inletand the air inlet adapted to pump air into the foaming component airchamber and liquid into the mixing chamber.
 17. A foam dispenser asclaimed in claim 16 wherein the pump includes: a liquid chamber havingan inlet in flow communication with the liquid container and an outletin flow communication with the mixing chamber of the foaming component,the liquid chamber having an interior volume which changes responsive toan actuation means; and an air chamber having an air inlet and anoutlet, the outlet being in flow communication with the foamingcomponent air chamber, and the air chamber has an interior volume whichchanges responsive to an actuation means.
 18. A foam dispenser asclaimed in claim 17 wherein the liquid chamber and the air chamber areportions of piston type pumps.
 19. A foam dispenser as claimed in claim17 wherein the liquid chamber and the air chamber are portions ofdiaphragm type pumps.
 20. A foam dispenser as claimed in claim 16wherein the liquid includes particles that tend to sink to form asediment in the bottom of the liquid container and further including apuck loading system whereby a predetermined amount of sediment is addedto the liquid in the liquid chamber.
 21. A foam dispenser as claimed inclaim 20 wherein liquid container has an interior, an opening and athroat proximate to the opening and a cap having a puck aperture and aliquid aperture, a liquid tube extends upwardly into the interior of theliquid container, the cap is positioned in the throat and wherein thepuck loading system includes a rotatable skim and loading wheel, theskim and loading wheel having a plurality of spaced apart aperturesformed therein, the apertures being generally at the same radius, theskim and loading wheel is positioned in the throat of the liquidcontainer such that the apertures in the skim and loading wheel areselectively in registration with the puck aperture and the liquidaperture in the cap, whereby rotation of the skim and loading wheelmoves one of the plurality of apertures from in registration with thepuck aperture to in registration with the liquid aperture.
 22. A foamdispenser as claimed in claim 16 wherein the liquid container is a firstliquid container and further including a second liquid container andwherein the first and second containers are in flow communication withthe mixing chamber liquid inlet.
 23. A foam dispenser as claimed inclaim 22 wherein the first liquid container is in flow communicationwith the liquid chamber and further including a liquid conduit extendingbetween the liquid chamber and the mixing chamber liquid inlet and thesecond container is in flow communication with the liquid container. 24.A foam dispenser as claimed in claim 23 further including a venturi inthe liquid conduit between the liquid container a position downstreamthereof where the second liquid container flows into the liquid conduit.25. A foam dispenser as claimed in claim 24 wherein the first liquidcontainer is in flow communication with the liquid chamber and furtherincluding a liquid conduit extending between the liquid chamber and themixing chamber liquid inlet and the second container is in flowcommunication with the liquid container.
 26. A foam dispenser as claimedin claim 16 wherein the pump includes: a first liquid chamber having aninlet in flow communication with the first liquid container and anoutlet in flow communication with the mixing chamber of the foamingcomponent, the first liquid chamber having an interior volume whichchanges responsive to an actuation means; a second liquid chamber havingan inlet in flow communication with the second liquid container and anoutlet in flow communication with the mixing chamber of the foamingcomponent, the second liquid chamber having an interior volume whichchanges responsive to an actuation means; and an air chamber having anair inlet and an outlet the outlet being in flow communication with thesparging element air chamber, and the air chamber has an interior volumewhich changes responsive to an actuation means.
 27. A foam dispenser asclaimed in claim 26 wherein the first liquid container contains afoamable liquid soap and the second container contains a liquid with ahigh concentration of particles.
 28. A foam dispenser as claimed inclaim 27 wherein the particles are chosen from a group consisting ofpumice, cornmeal, ground walnut shells, ground fruit stones, wood flour,microbeads, microcapsules, dried pulses and a combination thereof.
 29. Afoam dispenser as claimed in claim 16 further including an agitatormechanism operably contained in the liquid container and operablyconnected to the actuation means whereby responsive to the actuationmeans the liquid in the liquid container is mixed.
 30. A foam dispenseras claimed in claim 29 wherein the agitator mechanism includes a motorconnected to a power supply and an agitator device operably connected tothe motor and extending into the liquid container.
 31. A foam dispenseras claimed in claim 30 wherein the power supply is a pair of batteries.32. A foam dispenser as claimed in claim 16 wherein the liquid includespariticles that tend to float to the top of the liquid, the liquidcontainer is an inverted liquid container and has a liquid outlet andfurther including a skimming mechanism operably connected to anactuation means whereby the particles are skimmed from the top of theliquid and moved to the liquid outlet responsive to the actuation means.33. A foam dispenser as claimed in claim 32 wherein the skimmingmechanism includes an auger extending upwardly from the liquid outlet toa top of the liquid container and a sleeve extending upwardly into theliquid container and positioned around the auger and upwardly from theliquid outlet.
 34. A foam dispenser as claimed in claim 16 wherein theliquid includes pariticles that tend to sink to the bottom of theliquid, the liquid container is an upright liquid container and has aliquid outlet and further including an auger mechanism operablyconnected to an actuation means whereby the particles are scooped fromthe bottom of the liquid and moved to the liquid outlet responsive tothe actuation means.
 35. A foam dispenser as claimed in claim 34 whereinthe auger mechanism includes an auger extending downwardly from theliquid outlet to a top of the liquid container and a sleeve extendingupwardly into the liquid container and positioned around the auger andupwardly from the liquid outlet.
 36. A foam dispenser as claimed inclaim 16 wherein the container is a collapsible container.
 37. A foamdispenser as claimed in claim 16 wherein the container is a rigidcontainer.
 38. A foam dispenser as claimed in claim 16 wherein thecontainer is inverted.
 39. A foam dispenser as claimed in claim 16wherein the container is upright.
 40. A method of making foam includingthe steps of: providing air under pressure to one side of an airsparging element; providing liquid under pressure to a mixing chamber onthe other side of the air sparging element; pushing the air through thesparging element into the mixing chamber; and mixing the air and theliquid thereby creating foam.
 41. A method of making foam as claimed inclaim 40 wherein the air sparging element is generally test tube shaped.42. A method as claimed in claim 41 wherein the liquid contains aplurality of particles.
 43. A method as claimed in claim 42 furtherincluding the step of mixing a liquid with a high concentration ofparticles with a liquid with generally no particles upstream ofproviding the liquid under pressure to the mixing chamber.